true realtors more important now

[csr_sd]

Hi all,
Given the number of locations where houses can now be found, do you think it is more or less important to have a good realtor.

Right now, there are 45 houses listed on the prudential MLS in clairemont (3,2, sfr <450K) Yet there are probably more houses in this area under this value that are foreclosures, reo, or other.

It would be hard for an individual to find, organize and summarize all these places. It would be worth it for me to pay 6% (or so) in a more complicated market, compared to simple market. I would argue that this is a complicated market in which to find a good place at a fair (although falling price market).

Thus my question is more important now to have a good realtor working for you?

csr_sd

[patientlywaiting]

If you’re buying, you’re doing a fine job identifying the houses for sale in Clairemont yourself.

If you’re selling, you might need a good realtor.

[patientlywaiting]

If you’re buying, you’re doing a fine job identifying the houses for sale in Clairemont yourself.

If you’re selling, you might need a good realtor.

[patientlywaiting]

If you’re buying, you’re doing a fine job identifying the houses for sale in Clairemont yourself.

If you’re selling, you might need a good realtor.

[patientlywaiting]

If you’re buying, you’re doing a fine job identifying the houses for sale in Clairemont yourself.

If you’re selling, you might need a good realtor.

[XBoxBoy]

Lately I’ve been wondering about not using a realtor when buying a house. I’d appreciate comments from knowledgeable posters on this site…

From my experiences, a buyer’s agent doesn’t bring that much to the deal any more. MLS access is easy so the only thing the buyers agent brings to the table is negotiation skills, and some knowledge about the real estate transaction. While I’m not an expert on real estate transactions, I have bought before and while there was a lot of paper work, nothing was that difficult, or worth paying someone 30k for doing. What’s more the buyer’s agent is motivated to close a deal, just like a seller’s agent, not to represent your best interests, so as a negotiator, they are not necessarily on your side. (If they know you can spend more, they might easily let the seller’s agent know that, and encourage them to counter higher than they might have. After all, a higher price is more commission)

However, if I assume that I’m going to do the MLS research, negotiate on my own behalf, and help with the real estate transaction, why not use the seller’s agent? The way I see it, if I make an offer using the seller’s agent, that agent will get the full commission instead of splitting it with a buyer’s agent. Getting the full commission instead of splitting it is a strong incentive for the seller’s agent to encourage the buyer to accept my offer, even if it is a low ball offer. (Getting 6% of 800k is definitely better than 3% of a mil)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Nah XBoxBoy, don’t be silly, the seller’s agent would never put their own interest in receiving a full commission over the interests of the seller.” So, maybe I’m naive in thinking that this strategy would have any benefit.

So what about it Piggys? If you are buying, and are looking to make a low ball price, would it be better to have your own agent, or just use the seller’s agent?

XBoxBoy

[NotCranky]

I personally don’t take more than four percent for doing both sides, actually three will do in some circumstances, so the possibility of a moral dilemma doesn’t exist for this bottom feeder. I have question though, if you are looking for an agent to con his client into a bad deal because he will get more commission, are you not a bottom feeder too? Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder? Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you scorn allegedly possess. Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get your own license? That way you can do what you want and get paid for it.

Best wishes

[csr_sd]

I really wasnt trying to discuss the issues regarding th seller or buyers realtor, and who was oing to look out ofr my best interest, or simply looking at an MLS. My question was that there are probably a number of places that are not listed on the MLS, banks etc., and having soemone that is looking at the diversity of REO companies to find a house is worth something to me.

So if rustico, or SD R, or SDR, (or other seemingly decent realtors, of which there are probably many) are going to spend time or know non-MLS locations to find properties that are coming on the market, it seems worth something to me. That is more “complicated” than simply assuming all properties in an area are on the MLS.

There are bottom feeders everywhere, and there are people that sell houses, cars, mortgages, collect taxes, that are not. I prefer to stay our of the negative and simply try and get information to examine against my preconceptions

cheers
csr_sd

[NotCranky]

csr_sd

Sorry about that csr_sd.
The vast majority of the houses & condos for sale are on the MLS. If an agent tells you he or she is special because he has deals off the MLS and you are not a big time player buying ten or more at a time. Well anyway so far I haven’t seen that, and I would say they are just using a fib to compete with other agents. It does happen but more randomly, for instance, I once had a listing on a craftsman where a buyer came and looked at it but said he was really looking for a Spanish style home. So I knocked on doors and found one and we closed escrow quickly. He still used his agent and we split the commission. Things like that do happen but they are exceptional. Funny thing, in that case a man came unrepresented, because I ran an add for the craftsman in the tribune. We had lunch after he saw it and wrote up the full price offer cash.
There is nothing wrong with going to a seller’s agent with with intentions of fair play. If your search for a house is more complicated that might not work out, so a knowlegeable advocate,such as a realtor could be beneficial in locating a desirable property and as Xbox boy has pointed out handling negotiations and the transaction. We have had long threads on the value of a buyer’s Realtor for the sake of one person before. Many things pro and con came up. Doesn’t seem like we should hi-jack your thread for that.
Edit: This is a decent thread on the topic of using a Realtor or not. http://piggington.com/do_we_need_realtors

[NotCranky]

csr_sd

Sorry about that csr_sd.
The vast majority of the houses & condos for sale are on the MLS. If an agent tells you he or she is special because he has deals off the MLS and you are not a big time player buying ten or more at a time. Well anyway so far I haven’t seen that, and I would say they are just using a fib to compete with other agents. It does happen but more randomly, for instance, I once had a listing on a craftsman where a buyer came and looked at it but said he was really looking for a Spanish style home. So I knocked on doors and found one and we closed escrow quickly. He still used his agent and we split the commission. Things like that do happen but they are exceptional. Funny thing, in that case a man came unrepresented, because I ran an add for the craftsman in the tribune. We had lunch after he saw it and wrote up the full price offer cash.
There is nothing wrong with going to a seller’s agent with with intentions of fair play. If your search for a house is more complicated that might not work out, so a knowlegeable advocate,such as a realtor could be beneficial in locating a desirable property and as Xbox boy has pointed out handling negotiations and the transaction. We have had long threads on the value of a buyer’s Realtor for the sake of one person before. Many things pro and con came up. Doesn’t seem like we should hi-jack your thread for that.
Edit: This is a decent thread on the topic of using a Realtor or not. http://piggington.com/do_we_need_realtors

[NotCranky]

csr_sd

Sorry about that csr_sd.
The vast majority of the houses & condos for sale are on the MLS. If an agent tells you he or she is special because he has deals off the MLS and you are not a big time player buying ten or more at a time. Well anyway so far I haven’t seen that, and I would say they are just using a fib to compete with other agents. It does happen but more randomly, for instance, I once had a listing on a craftsman where a buyer came and looked at it but said he was really looking for a Spanish style home. So I knocked on doors and found one and we closed escrow quickly. He still used his agent and we split the commission. Things like that do happen but they are exceptional. Funny thing, in that case a man came unrepresented, because I ran an add for the craftsman in the tribune. We had lunch after he saw it and wrote up the full price offer cash.
There is nothing wrong with going to a seller’s agent with with intentions of fair play. If your search for a house is more complicated that might not work out, so a knowlegeable advocate,such as a realtor could be beneficial in locating a desirable property and as Xbox boy has pointed out handling negotiations and the transaction. We have had long threads on the value of a buyer’s Realtor for the sake of one person before. Many things pro and con came up. Doesn’t seem like we should hi-jack your thread for that.
Edit: This is a decent thread on the topic of using a Realtor or not. http://piggington.com/do_we_need_realtors

[NotCranky]

csr_sd

Sorry about that csr_sd.
The vast majority of the houses & condos for sale are on the MLS. If an agent tells you he or she is special because he has deals off the MLS and you are not a big time player buying ten or more at a time. Well anyway so far I haven’t seen that, and I would say they are just using a fib to compete with other agents. It does happen but more randomly, for instance, I once had a listing on a craftsman where a buyer came and looked at it but said he was really looking for a Spanish style home. So I knocked on doors and found one and we closed escrow quickly. He still used his agent and we split the commission. Things like that do happen but they are exceptional. Funny thing, in that case a man came unrepresented, because I ran an add for the craftsman in the tribune. We had lunch after he saw it and wrote up the full price offer cash.
There is nothing wrong with going to a seller’s agent with with intentions of fair play. If your search for a house is more complicated that might not work out, so a knowlegeable advocate,such as a realtor could be beneficial in locating a desirable property and as Xbox boy has pointed out handling negotiations and the transaction. We have had long threads on the value of a buyer’s Realtor for the sake of one person before. Many things pro and con came up. Doesn’t seem like we should hi-jack your thread for that.
Edit: This is a decent thread on the topic of using a Realtor or not. http://piggington.com/do_we_need_realtors

[csr_sd]

I really wasnt trying to discuss the issues regarding th seller or buyers realtor, and who was oing to look out ofr my best interest, or simply looking at an MLS. My question was that there are probably a number of places that are not listed on the MLS, banks etc., and having soemone that is looking at the diversity of REO companies to find a house is worth something to me.

So if rustico, or SD R, or SDR, (or other seemingly decent realtors, of which there are probably many) are going to spend time or know non-MLS locations to find properties that are coming on the market, it seems worth something to me. That is more “complicated” than simply assuming all properties in an area are on the MLS.

There are bottom feeders everywhere, and there are people that sell houses, cars, mortgages, collect taxes, that are not. I prefer to stay our of the negative and simply try and get information to examine against my preconceptions

cheers
csr_sd

[csr_sd]

I really wasnt trying to discuss the issues regarding th seller or buyers realtor, and who was oing to look out ofr my best interest, or simply looking at an MLS. My question was that there are probably a number of places that are not listed on the MLS, banks etc., and having soemone that is looking at the diversity of REO companies to find a house is worth something to me.

So if rustico, or SD R, or SDR, (or other seemingly decent realtors, of which there are probably many) are going to spend time or know non-MLS locations to find properties that are coming on the market, it seems worth something to me. That is more “complicated” than simply assuming all properties in an area are on the MLS.

There are bottom feeders everywhere, and there are people that sell houses, cars, mortgages, collect taxes, that are not. I prefer to stay our of the negative and simply try and get information to examine against my preconceptions

cheers
csr_sd

[csr_sd]

I really wasnt trying to discuss the issues regarding th seller or buyers realtor, and who was oing to look out ofr my best interest, or simply looking at an MLS. My question was that there are probably a number of places that are not listed on the MLS, banks etc., and having soemone that is looking at the diversity of REO companies to find a house is worth something to me.

So if rustico, or SD R, or SDR, (or other seemingly decent realtors, of which there are probably many) are going to spend time or know non-MLS locations to find properties that are coming on the market, it seems worth something to me. That is more “complicated” than simply assuming all properties in an area are on the MLS.

There are bottom feeders everywhere, and there are people that sell houses, cars, mortgages, collect taxes, that are not. I prefer to stay our of the negative and simply try and get information to examine against my preconceptions

cheers
csr_sd

[XBoxBoy]

Rustico, did I ruffle your feathers? Sorry, didn’t mean to do that. In answer to your questions:

> if you are looking for an agent to con his client
> into a bad deal because he will get more commission,
> are you not a bottom feeder too?

Guess it depends on what you mean by bottom feeder. But sure, I’m okay with being called that. Hey it’s a lot better than the routine accusations about my colleagues and me being responsible for ruining our children and causing moral decay in our society.

> Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder?

Can’t see why a license would be necessary.

> Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one
> verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors

Don’t think that my comments said that ALL realtors are bad. Just that my experiences have taught me that often times realtors (and others) who “supposedly” represent the your interests often have their own set of priorities. And the sooner you figure out what their priorities are, and operate with a full understanding of THEIR priorities, the better.

> and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you
> scorn allegedly possess.

Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.

But I do see a difference. A major difference. Sales people who claim to be looking out for other’s interest and not their own are more often than not lying. But I’m not trying to hide my intentions at all, nor am I pretending one thing and doing another. I’m openly admitting that I’m looking for ways to take advantage of the unstated priorities of the agent.

> Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get
> your own license?

For my own transactions, I don’t think a license is necessary. If you’re suggesting becoming a realtor as a career, sorry, as mentioned above I’m already busy ruining the morals of our children and trying to cause rampant decay in our society.

So, again, Rustico, sorry if I ruffled your feathers. That wasn’t my intent. My point in posting was more to ask if people thought it would be a successful strategy, as a low balling buyer, to go directly through the seller’s agent, or was there a compelling reason to use a buyer’s agent given that MLS access is easy, and buyer’s agents will always have a conflict of interest in helping you get the lowest price possible. I’m not trying to convince anyone of this, I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.

XBoxBoy

[NotCranky]

“Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.”

Sounds like we are two peas in a pod ..I was not angry I was having fun.

“I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.”

You must be kidding?

[SD Realtor]

Hi csr_sd –

So first off, to answer your question, I do not do alot of searching beyond the MLS. I do have a relationship with my title officer and have access all recordings, NOD, NOT and REO as they are recorded and give help to buyers on that front. However by FAR the majority of homes I find for people are through the MLS.

So from that standpoint, there is not alot of rocket science there.

I think part of the answer to your question also has to do with the experience/ability of the buyer. In that sense an honest realtor is good for them to have for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to being an advocate during the transaction.

Alot of buyers these days use commission rebate providers like Zip, Redfin, and yes (insert shameless plug here) myself. These buyers do alot of work on thier own, do alot of drive bys and justifiably feel that there should be some sort of discount that the realtor receives because of that. I do believe there are realtors out there who are VERY networked and plugged in who do have inside tracks on properties before they hit the MLS or may never make the MLS. I think this is what you were alluding to. I recall one of the many posts where sdrealtor and I were catfighting about full service verses non full service and he pointed out examples in his office where properties never hit the mls because of the contacts between agents in his office. So there is merit in that. I am just a little guy so I cannot boast that sort of contact ability but yes I think that there are top sellers who have more contacts and may indeed be able to provide alternative sources then the MLS. How much? I don’t know.

Hope this was helpful.

ps – I do think that there is a bit of trivializing or not giving enough credit to how helpful a buyers agent can be through the escrow process for a buyer but I think I would be swimming, or typing against the tide so I will not bother going down that road. If you want me to I will, just ask.

SD Realtor

[SD Realtor]

Hi csr_sd –

So first off, to answer your question, I do not do alot of searching beyond the MLS. I do have a relationship with my title officer and have access all recordings, NOD, NOT and REO as they are recorded and give help to buyers on that front. However by FAR the majority of homes I find for people are through the MLS.

So from that standpoint, there is not alot of rocket science there.

I think part of the answer to your question also has to do with the experience/ability of the buyer. In that sense an honest realtor is good for them to have for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to being an advocate during the transaction.

Alot of buyers these days use commission rebate providers like Zip, Redfin, and yes (insert shameless plug here) myself. These buyers do alot of work on thier own, do alot of drive bys and justifiably feel that there should be some sort of discount that the realtor receives because of that. I do believe there are realtors out there who are VERY networked and plugged in who do have inside tracks on properties before they hit the MLS or may never make the MLS. I think this is what you were alluding to. I recall one of the many posts where sdrealtor and I were catfighting about full service verses non full service and he pointed out examples in his office where properties never hit the mls because of the contacts between agents in his office. So there is merit in that. I am just a little guy so I cannot boast that sort of contact ability but yes I think that there are top sellers who have more contacts and may indeed be able to provide alternative sources then the MLS. How much? I don’t know.

Hope this was helpful.

ps – I do think that there is a bit of trivializing or not giving enough credit to how helpful a buyers agent can be through the escrow process for a buyer but I think I would be swimming, or typing against the tide so I will not bother going down that road. If you want me to I will, just ask.

SD Realtor

[SD Realtor]

Hi csr_sd –

So first off, to answer your question, I do not do alot of searching beyond the MLS. I do have a relationship with my title officer and have access all recordings, NOD, NOT and REO as they are recorded and give help to buyers on that front. However by FAR the majority of homes I find for people are through the MLS.

So from that standpoint, there is not alot of rocket science there.

I think part of the answer to your question also has to do with the experience/ability of the buyer. In that sense an honest realtor is good for them to have for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to being an advocate during the transaction.

Alot of buyers these days use commission rebate providers like Zip, Redfin, and yes (insert shameless plug here) myself. These buyers do alot of work on thier own, do alot of drive bys and justifiably feel that there should be some sort of discount that the realtor receives because of that. I do believe there are realtors out there who are VERY networked and plugged in who do have inside tracks on properties before they hit the MLS or may never make the MLS. I think this is what you were alluding to. I recall one of the many posts where sdrealtor and I were catfighting about full service verses non full service and he pointed out examples in his office where properties never hit the mls because of the contacts between agents in his office. So there is merit in that. I am just a little guy so I cannot boast that sort of contact ability but yes I think that there are top sellers who have more contacts and may indeed be able to provide alternative sources then the MLS. How much? I don’t know.

Hope this was helpful.

ps – I do think that there is a bit of trivializing or not giving enough credit to how helpful a buyers agent can be through the escrow process for a buyer but I think I would be swimming, or typing against the tide so I will not bother going down that road. If you want me to I will, just ask.

SD Realtor

[SD Realtor]

Hi csr_sd –

So first off, to answer your question, I do not do alot of searching beyond the MLS. I do have a relationship with my title officer and have access all recordings, NOD, NOT and REO as they are recorded and give help to buyers on that front. However by FAR the majority of homes I find for people are through the MLS.

So from that standpoint, there is not alot of rocket science there.

I think part of the answer to your question also has to do with the experience/ability of the buyer. In that sense an honest realtor is good for them to have for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to being an advocate during the transaction.

Alot of buyers these days use commission rebate providers like Zip, Redfin, and yes (insert shameless plug here) myself. These buyers do alot of work on thier own, do alot of drive bys and justifiably feel that there should be some sort of discount that the realtor receives because of that. I do believe there are realtors out there who are VERY networked and plugged in who do have inside tracks on properties before they hit the MLS or may never make the MLS. I think this is what you were alluding to. I recall one of the many posts where sdrealtor and I were catfighting about full service verses non full service and he pointed out examples in his office where properties never hit the mls because of the contacts between agents in his office. So there is merit in that. I am just a little guy so I cannot boast that sort of contact ability but yes I think that there are top sellers who have more contacts and may indeed be able to provide alternative sources then the MLS. How much? I don’t know.

Hope this was helpful.

ps – I do think that there is a bit of trivializing or not giving enough credit to how helpful a buyers agent can be through the escrow process for a buyer but I think I would be swimming, or typing against the tide so I will not bother going down that road. If you want me to I will, just ask.

SD Realtor

[NotCranky]

“Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.”

Sounds like we are two peas in a pod ..I was not angry I was having fun.

“I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.”

You must be kidding?

[NotCranky]

“Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.”

Sounds like we are two peas in a pod ..I was not angry I was having fun.

“I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.”

You must be kidding?

[NotCranky]

“Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.”

Sounds like we are two peas in a pod ..I was not angry I was having fun.

“I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.”

You must be kidding?

[XBoxBoy]

Rustico, did I ruffle your feathers? Sorry, didn’t mean to do that. In answer to your questions:

> if you are looking for an agent to con his client
> into a bad deal because he will get more commission,
> are you not a bottom feeder too?

Guess it depends on what you mean by bottom feeder. But sure, I’m okay with being called that. Hey it’s a lot better than the routine accusations about my colleagues and me being responsible for ruining our children and causing moral decay in our society.

> Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder?

Can’t see why a license would be necessary.

> Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one
> verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors

Don’t think that my comments said that ALL realtors are bad. Just that my experiences have taught me that often times realtors (and others) who “supposedly” represent the your interests often have their own set of priorities. And the sooner you figure out what their priorities are, and operate with a full understanding of THEIR priorities, the better.

> and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you
> scorn allegedly possess.

Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.

But I do see a difference. A major difference. Sales people who claim to be looking out for other’s interest and not their own are more often than not lying. But I’m not trying to hide my intentions at all, nor am I pretending one thing and doing another. I’m openly admitting that I’m looking for ways to take advantage of the unstated priorities of the agent.

> Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get
> your own license?

For my own transactions, I don’t think a license is necessary. If you’re suggesting becoming a realtor as a career, sorry, as mentioned above I’m already busy ruining the morals of our children and trying to cause rampant decay in our society.

So, again, Rustico, sorry if I ruffled your feathers. That wasn’t my intent. My point in posting was more to ask if people thought it would be a successful strategy, as a low balling buyer, to go directly through the seller’s agent, or was there a compelling reason to use a buyer’s agent given that MLS access is easy, and buyer’s agents will always have a conflict of interest in helping you get the lowest price possible. I’m not trying to convince anyone of this, I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.

XBoxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

Rustico, did I ruffle your feathers? Sorry, didn’t mean to do that. In answer to your questions:

> if you are looking for an agent to con his client
> into a bad deal because he will get more commission,
> are you not a bottom feeder too?

Guess it depends on what you mean by bottom feeder. But sure, I’m okay with being called that. Hey it’s a lot better than the routine accusations about my colleagues and me being responsible for ruining our children and causing moral decay in our society.

> Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder?

Can’t see why a license would be necessary.

> Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one
> verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors

Don’t think that my comments said that ALL realtors are bad. Just that my experiences have taught me that often times realtors (and others) who “supposedly” represent the your interests often have their own set of priorities. And the sooner you figure out what their priorities are, and operate with a full understanding of THEIR priorities, the better.

> and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you
> scorn allegedly possess.

Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.

But I do see a difference. A major difference. Sales people who claim to be looking out for other’s interest and not their own are more often than not lying. But I’m not trying to hide my intentions at all, nor am I pretending one thing and doing another. I’m openly admitting that I’m looking for ways to take advantage of the unstated priorities of the agent.

> Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get
> your own license?

For my own transactions, I don’t think a license is necessary. If you’re suggesting becoming a realtor as a career, sorry, as mentioned above I’m already busy ruining the morals of our children and trying to cause rampant decay in our society.

So, again, Rustico, sorry if I ruffled your feathers. That wasn’t my intent. My point in posting was more to ask if people thought it would be a successful strategy, as a low balling buyer, to go directly through the seller’s agent, or was there a compelling reason to use a buyer’s agent given that MLS access is easy, and buyer’s agents will always have a conflict of interest in helping you get the lowest price possible. I’m not trying to convince anyone of this, I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.

XBoxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

Rustico, did I ruffle your feathers? Sorry, didn’t mean to do that. In answer to your questions:

> if you are looking for an agent to con his client
> into a bad deal because he will get more commission,
> are you not a bottom feeder too?

Guess it depends on what you mean by bottom feeder. But sure, I’m okay with being called that. Hey it’s a lot better than the routine accusations about my colleagues and me being responsible for ruining our children and causing moral decay in our society.

> Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder?

Can’t see why a license would be necessary.

> Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one
> verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors

Don’t think that my comments said that ALL realtors are bad. Just that my experiences have taught me that often times realtors (and others) who “supposedly” represent the your interests often have their own set of priorities. And the sooner you figure out what their priorities are, and operate with a full understanding of THEIR priorities, the better.

> and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you
> scorn allegedly possess.

Sorry if my scorning bothered you. I’m just a sarcastic shit by nature. Been that way all my life. Didn’t mean to piss ya off.

But I do see a difference. A major difference. Sales people who claim to be looking out for other’s interest and not their own are more often than not lying. But I’m not trying to hide my intentions at all, nor am I pretending one thing and doing another. I’m openly admitting that I’m looking for ways to take advantage of the unstated priorities of the agent.

> Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get
> your own license?

For my own transactions, I don’t think a license is necessary. If you’re suggesting becoming a realtor as a career, sorry, as mentioned above I’m already busy ruining the morals of our children and trying to cause rampant decay in our society.

So, again, Rustico, sorry if I ruffled your feathers. That wasn’t my intent. My point in posting was more to ask if people thought it would be a successful strategy, as a low balling buyer, to go directly through the seller’s agent, or was there a compelling reason to use a buyer’s agent given that MLS access is easy, and buyer’s agents will always have a conflict of interest in helping you get the lowest price possible. I’m not trying to convince anyone of this, I’m asking if someone sees something that I’m overlooking, or some flaw in my logic, that I should be considering.

XBoxBoy

[NotCranky]

I personally don’t take more than four percent for doing both sides, actually three will do in some circumstances, so the possibility of a moral dilemma doesn’t exist for this bottom feeder. I have question though, if you are looking for an agent to con his client into a bad deal because he will get more commission, are you not a bottom feeder too? Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder? Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you scorn allegedly possess. Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get your own license? That way you can do what you want and get paid for it.

Best wishes

[NotCranky]

I personally don’t take more than four percent for doing both sides, actually three will do in some circumstances, so the possibility of a moral dilemma doesn’t exist for this bottom feeder. I have question though, if you are looking for an agent to con his client into a bad deal because he will get more commission, are you not a bottom feeder too? Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder? Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you scorn allegedly possess. Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get your own license? That way you can do what you want and get paid for it.

Best wishes

[NotCranky]

I personally don’t take more than four percent for doing both sides, actually three will do in some circumstances, so the possibility of a moral dilemma doesn’t exist for this bottom feeder. I have question though, if you are looking for an agent to con his client into a bad deal because he will get more commission, are you not a bottom feeder too? Do you have to have a license to qualify as bottom feeder? Just interesting, not surprising, that you are the one verbalizing discontent towards all Realtors and also verbalizing a mentality like those that you scorn allegedly possess. Which brings up the next point why don’t you just get your own license? That way you can do what you want and get paid for it.

Best wishes

[XBoxBoy]

Lately I’ve been wondering about not using a realtor when buying a house. I’d appreciate comments from knowledgeable posters on this site…

From my experiences, a buyer’s agent doesn’t bring that much to the deal any more. MLS access is easy so the only thing the buyers agent brings to the table is negotiation skills, and some knowledge about the real estate transaction. While I’m not an expert on real estate transactions, I have bought before and while there was a lot of paper work, nothing was that difficult, or worth paying someone 30k for doing. What’s more the buyer’s agent is motivated to close a deal, just like a seller’s agent, not to represent your best interests, so as a negotiator, they are not necessarily on your side. (If they know you can spend more, they might easily let the seller’s agent know that, and encourage them to counter higher than they might have. After all, a higher price is more commission)

However, if I assume that I’m going to do the MLS research, negotiate on my own behalf, and help with the real estate transaction, why not use the seller’s agent? The way I see it, if I make an offer using the seller’s agent, that agent will get the full commission instead of splitting it with a buyer’s agent. Getting the full commission instead of splitting it is a strong incentive for the seller’s agent to encourage the buyer to accept my offer, even if it is a low ball offer. (Getting 6% of 800k is definitely better than 3% of a mil)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Nah XBoxBoy, don’t be silly, the seller’s agent would never put their own interest in receiving a full commission over the interests of the seller.” So, maybe I’m naive in thinking that this strategy would have any benefit.

So what about it Piggys? If you are buying, and are looking to make a low ball price, would it be better to have your own agent, or just use the seller’s agent?

XBoxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

Lately I’ve been wondering about not using a realtor when buying a house. I’d appreciate comments from knowledgeable posters on this site…

From my experiences, a buyer’s agent doesn’t bring that much to the deal any more. MLS access is easy so the only thing the buyers agent brings to the table is negotiation skills, and some knowledge about the real estate transaction. While I’m not an expert on real estate transactions, I have bought before and while there was a lot of paper work, nothing was that difficult, or worth paying someone 30k for doing. What’s more the buyer’s agent is motivated to close a deal, just like a seller’s agent, not to represent your best interests, so as a negotiator, they are not necessarily on your side. (If they know you can spend more, they might easily let the seller’s agent know that, and encourage them to counter higher than they might have. After all, a higher price is more commission)

However, if I assume that I’m going to do the MLS research, negotiate on my own behalf, and help with the real estate transaction, why not use the seller’s agent? The way I see it, if I make an offer using the seller’s agent, that agent will get the full commission instead of splitting it with a buyer’s agent. Getting the full commission instead of splitting it is a strong incentive for the seller’s agent to encourage the buyer to accept my offer, even if it is a low ball offer. (Getting 6% of 800k is definitely better than 3% of a mil)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Nah XBoxBoy, don’t be silly, the seller’s agent would never put their own interest in receiving a full commission over the interests of the seller.” So, maybe I’m naive in thinking that this strategy would have any benefit.

So what about it Piggys? If you are buying, and are looking to make a low ball price, would it be better to have your own agent, or just use the seller’s agent?

XBoxBoy

[XBoxBoy]

Lately I’ve been wondering about not using a realtor when buying a house. I’d appreciate comments from knowledgeable posters on this site…

From my experiences, a buyer’s agent doesn’t bring that much to the deal any more. MLS access is easy so the only thing the buyers agent brings to the table is negotiation skills, and some knowledge about the real estate transaction. While I’m not an expert on real estate transactions, I have bought before and while there was a lot of paper work, nothing was that difficult, or worth paying someone 30k for doing. What’s more the buyer’s agent is motivated to close a deal, just like a seller’s agent, not to represent your best interests, so as a negotiator, they are not necessarily on your side. (If they know you can spend more, they might easily let the seller’s agent know that, and encourage them to counter higher than they might have. After all, a higher price is more commission)

However, if I assume that I’m going to do the MLS research, negotiate on my own behalf, and help with the real estate transaction, why not use the seller’s agent? The way I see it, if I make an offer using the seller’s agent, that agent will get the full commission instead of splitting it with a buyer’s agent. Getting the full commission instead of splitting it is a strong incentive for the seller’s agent to encourage the buyer to accept my offer, even if it is a low ball offer. (Getting 6% of 800k is definitely better than 3% of a mil)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Nah XBoxBoy, don’t be silly, the seller’s agent would never put their own interest in receiving a full commission over the interests of the seller.” So, maybe I’m naive in thinking that this strategy would have any benefit.

So what about it Piggys? If you are buying, and are looking to make a low ball price, would it be better to have your own agent, or just use the seller’s agent?

XBoxBoy

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